Abstract
The kinematics of intraoral food transport of Testudo hermanni were investigated by radiographic video analysis. Small lead markers and contrastmedia marked food pellets were used to describe the movements of the hyolingual apparatus, the jaws, and the food passage during feeding events. The feeding cycle is divided into food uptake, several intraoral transport cycles, and finally swallowing of the food. The results show features of a terrestrial feeder highly adapted to herbivorous diet: usage of tongue during ingestion, tongue-based intraoral transport combined with food manipulation prior to swallowing. The tongue of T. hermanni is equipped with long papillae and numerous lingual glands. Roughness of the tongue surface and sticky saliva produce interlocking forces acting on the food which facilitate food uptake, transport, and manipulation. Cineradiographic analysis enables complete documentation of the food passage during feeding events and, combined with conventional video recordings, allows more valid statements about the kinematics of feeding mechanisms.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
